YOUTHS have been slammed for climbing a centuries-old building in a Herefordshire town centre – putting themselves at risk of serious harm.

Ledbury Town Council said the Market House, in High Street, was being climbed by "youngsters", meaning damage could also be caused.

After the report was made to the council, it raised concerns over the safety of the 17th-century black-and-white listed building.

Issuing a warning, the town council said the building would "not fair well to being mistreated", with young people seen climbing the beams and jumping into the street.

On Thursday evening, the council said: "Last night a group of youngsters were seen climbing on the beams and bouncing on them in order to jump off them into the street.

"Such action is likely to cause harm to the beams with it resulting in expensive repairs being needed.

"Therefore, we would ask that we all remember the age of the building and treat it with the respect it deserves.

"As well as concerns for the safety of the Market House we are concerned for the safety of anyone climbing on the beams."

The council said that if the beams were to break, the concrete floor could "potentially cause serious harm" to anyone on the beam or around the area at the time.